Part 4: Mid-Rotation Management and Wildlife Benefits

Pine forests in the form of plantation forestry are the predominant land cover in the southeastern U.S. In this course you will learn how basic forest management practices impact habitat quality for white-tailed deer. The combined effects of reducing tree canopy coverage, prescribed fire, and herbicide use to control mid-story hardwoods are “tried and true” practices that can greatly improve deer and other wildlife habitat.

[@lancebrinkley5637]

If I'm on timber company land that doesn't burn. Can I mow certain rows of thinned pines every year or every other year? This way I can get some new growth from it.

[@Andrew-sanders]

A cattleman can bring a pasture up 200 plus cows days on 45 day rotation. My oak silvo pasture is 300 goat day's on a 90 day rotation. Your productivity is pretty low with the amount of input. I also have about 40 deer that stay on the property eating where the goats was 30-40 days before.

[@Aaron-sl9lu]

I know it doesn’t impact the south YET, but MSU needs to start providing research and education about wolves. Non-managed wolf populations have decimated the northern 1/3rd of what many consider the holy grail whitetail state of Wisconsin. The wolf is spreading rapidly into Central Wisconsin and even the southern portion of the state. Packs of 20 plus animals are destroying the deer population in my neighborhood of Waupaca County which historically is a top trophy buck area. Nothing is being done 😢

[@Bbbb4life]

Deer will see you from a mile away if there is no mid story. Doesn't work for a bowhunter